If you usually experience bleeding from the gum when brushing your teeth, it is highly possible that you may be suffering from the tooth root bleeding disease. Bleeding gums are most often a sign of gum disease apart from indicating a number of other health related problems as well.
What is Bleeding Gum?
Bleeding Gum is a disease which is very common in developing countries because most of the people either do not brush their teeth properly to remove the plaque on their teeth or brush their teeth too vigorously. Sometimes even wearing dentures that don’t fit correctly may result in occasional bleeding.
Let us now learn about the causes for bleeding gums:
Causes
1. Gingivitis
People develop gingivitis when plaque remains on their gum line for a little too long. Plaque is nothing but the debris and bacteria that stick to your teeth when you don’t take proper measures to do away with it. Brushing your teeth regularly removes plaque and can prevent cavities.
2. Periodontal
Periodontal disease, or clinically known as periodontitis, can occur when you don’t treat gingivitis at initial stages and it continues to an advanced stage. Periodontal disease is the infection of the gums, the jawbone, and the supportive tissues that connect your teeth and gums. Periodontitis can cause your teeth to loosen or even fall out.
3. Vitamin Deficiencies
Deficiencies of vitamins C and K can also cause gums to bleed. This is generally observed in areas of the world which have less access to vitamins C and K through food and supplements. If you suspect such deficiencies, ask your doctor to check your levels of vitamins C and K and follow a diet that contains both of these nutrients to ensure that you’re getting the vitamins you need to stay healthy.
Foods rich in vitamin C include:
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Broccoli
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Bell peppers
Foods rich in vitamin K include:
- Watercress
- Kale
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
- Lettuce
- Mustard greens
- Soybeans
- Canola oil
- Olive oil
4. Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia)
When your skin is injured or broken, platelets clump together forming clots to stop the bleeding so when you don’t have enough platelets in your blood, this becomes a tough affair for your body. This low platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. This condition can range from mild to severe and for some, the symptoms can include severe bleeding and possibly fatal if they’re not treated.
5. New Flossing Routine
Changing your flossing routine can also lead to bleeding gums. For example, if you haven’t remembered flossing in a few days or if you have just begun to floss more frequently to help remove food and plaque from between your teeth, then you may notice some bleeding. But not to worry! This should clear up within a week.
Following is the list of symptoms for bleeding gums, take a look:
Symptoms
1. Puffy gums
Puffy gums are often the result of bacterial infection in the gums. Early treatment is very important as the condition may aggravate swiftly and cause a lot of discomfort.
2. Soreness in the mouth and around the gums
Any soreness in the mouth and around the gums may be indicative of bleeding gums. Improper dental care may result in this condition.
4. Swollen gums
Swollen gums may be the result of pus formation inside the gums or residual food inside the gums. This is a critical affair and proper dental care should be taken in order to prevent this.
5. Receding /loose gums
Another condition that indicates the need of proper dental attention is receding gums or loosening of the gum line. Get a proper doctor checkup if you see any such symptoms.
There are many natural remedies available for bleeding gums. Listed are a few:
Home Remedies for Bleeding Gums
1. Brushing and Flossing
What all you need:
- A good quality tooth brush
- Dental floss
Directions:
2. Oil Pulling
What all you need:
- A small amout of Sesame, Sunflower or Coconut oil
- water
Directions:
Oil pulling is essentially the act of swishing oil in the mouth for up to 20 minutes to improve oral health so to perform the same you need to take some oil in your mouth and swish it around rapidly in your mouth.
How it works:
Oil pulling is an age-old remedy rooted in Ayurvedic medicine that uses natural substances to clean and detoxify teeth and gums. It has the added effect of whitening teeth naturally and evidence even shows that it may be beneficial for gum health.
3. Salt gargling
What all you need:
- Common salt
- Luke warm water
Directions:
Add a little salt to warm water and gargle with this warm salt water 3 times per day.
How it works:
One of the simplest home remedies for bleeding gums is gargling with salt water. This is a common prevention and treatment for many different dental problems. It is a very simple technique and you can actually do this on a regular basis to have healthy teeth.
4. Clove Oil
What all you need:
- A few drops of clove essential oil
Directions:
You just need to take a bit of clove essential oil and rub it onto the gums.
How it works:
Clove essential oil is considered the best medicine to significantly reduce the gingivitis and also prevent tooth and gum bleeding effectively. You may feel slightly warm and slightly spicy, but it will help to reduce the inflammation and possibly prevent many dental diseases.
This is one of the best home remedies for bleeding gums and bad breath! What’s more? Most of us have already used this technique as children. Remember chewing on the clove pieces mom gave you when we had severe tooth aches? It was clove that did the magic.
5. Use Aloe vera
What all you need:
- Some fresh pieces of clean aloe vera stalk
Directions:
You should use aloe vera pieces to rub its starch onto the gums. Now massage this for about 3 minutes before rinsing it off with clean and warm water. Do this 3 times per day until your disease has gone.
How it works:
Aloe vera has many healing properties and effects, especially in reducing gingivitis and curing gum bleeding. If you get mild gingivitis, you can take care of your teeth at home by using natural aloe vera on a regular basis.
6. Lemon Paste
What all you need:
- Warm water
- A few drops of lemon oil
Directions:
- Add ten drops of lemon oil with some warm water and a teaspoonful of coconut oil and make a smooth paste
- Rub this on your gums to reduce inflammation and recession.
- Wash off with luke warm water
How it works:
Lemon is antiseptic and antimicrobial in nature and helps treat all kinds of gum diseases. This bitter paste has a fresh citrus smell that can dispel bad breath.
7. Gargle with Triphala
What all you need:
- A pinch of triphala powder
- Warm water
Directions:
- Add a pinch of triphala powder to a glass of luke warm water along with a pich of common salt
- Gargel thoroughly
- Rinse mouth with cleanwater
How it works:
Triphala is an age old Indian ingredient that works like magic on dental problems. it not only reduces the inflammation but also helps do away with sore and puffy gums.
8. Baking Soda
What all you need:
- A pinch of baking soda
- Warm water
Directions:
- Mix a pinch of baking soda with some salt in a glass of luke warm water
- Gargle with the solution
How it works:
The solution not only helps relieve you of dental issues but also gives you sparkling white teeth as an added bonus!
9. Saline Solution
What all you need:
- A pinch of salt
- Warm water
Directions:
- Put a pinch of salt in a glass of luke warm water
- Swish around in mouth
- Rinse with clean water
How it works:
Saline solution is like a destroyer of bad mouth bacteria. Besides that saline solution also helps do away with any pus formation and inflammation at the root of your gums. For the same reasons, regular saline solution gargling is considering a good dental habit.
10. Sage Oil and Peppermint Oil
What all you need:
- A few drops of sage oil
- A few drops of peppermint oil
Directions:
Take a few drops of Sage Oil and Peppermint Oil on your finger tips and massage gently on gums
How it works:
The anti-inflammatory properties and antibiotic properties of peppermint and sage oil helps treat inflamed and bleeding gums.
11. Tea Tree Oil
What all you need:
- Few drops of tea tree oil
Directions:
Take a few drops of tea tree oil on your finger tips and massage gently on both gums
How it works:
The antibacterial and anti-plaque components can help kill bacteria and also reduces any persisting inflammation.
12. Honey
What all you need:
- A few drops of honey
Directions:
After brushing your teeth, you should dip your fingertip into a little honey and rub onto the infected gum area.
How it works:
Honey is not only good for health and beauty, but it also works as a medicine with the sterilization function. However, it should be noted that people should rub honey just onto the gums, not the teeth to avoid the risk of tooth decay. This is also among the cheapest and most effective home remedies for bleeding gums and bad breath.
13. Cayenne Powder
What all you need:
- A pinch of Cayenne powder
Directions:
Sprinkle some Cayenne powder on your tooth brush and then brush.
How it works:
It is anti-bacterial and fights against the harmful bacteria. You may feel slight stinging sensation when you first brush but its pretty much worth the effort.
14. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
What all you need:
- A tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
- Take a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and swish around your mouth for a couple of seconds and then spit.
- Repeat three times a day for best results.
How it works:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil contains oleic acid and other flavonoids which are anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants. If you’re suffering from inflamed gums, Extra Virgin Olive Oil is one of the best treatments as it will wash away all the toxins.
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15. Alum
What all you need:
- A small amount of alum
Directions:
- Dissolve some alum in warm water and gargle with the solution.
- Repeat three times a day.
How it works:
Gingivitis makes gums go red and sore. Alum works perfectly to reduce the redness of the bleeding gums and also prevent future damage.
16. Black Seed Oil
What all you need:
Few drops of black seed oil
Directions:
- Brush your teeth and then massage your gums with a few drops of black seed oil.
- You can also swish the oil around your mouth and then spit.
- Alternatively, add a few drops of black seed oil into a warm glass of water to make the most effective oral hygiene solution.
How it works:
It is also known as a miracle cure to treat any dental condition. It has anti-microbial properties and fights against harmful bacteria.
17. Myrrh
What all you need:
- Few drops of myrrh oil
Directions:
Take a few drops of myrrh oil on your finger tips and massage gently on both gums
How it works:
The oil is very useful against inflammation of gums. It destroys bacteria responsible for gingivitis. It also helps in speeding up of the process of healing.
18. Coconut Oil
What all you need:
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- A bit of virgin coconut oil
Directions:
Mix both ingredients and massage on gums lightly
How it works:
The lauric acid and medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Massaging the gums with a pinch of fine sea salt mixed with a bit of virgin coconut oil can reduce gum inflammation to a great extent.
19. Oil Blend Solution
What all you need:
- Half a cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 5 drops of black seed oil
- 7 drops of tea tree oil
- 5 drops of myrrh oil
- 3 drops of lemon oil
- 3 drops of peppermint oil
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients
- Take a small amount of this oil blend solution and rinse thoroughly.
- Rinse again with luke warm water
How it works:
The oil blend solution is like ‘negative on negative’ and therefore is able to cut through plaque and remove toxins without disturbing the teeth or gums.
20. Garlic and honey paste
What all you need:
- A few garlic cloves
- Few drops of honey
Directions:
- Grind the garlic cloves and mix the extracted juice with some honey
- Now apply the paste on your gums
- Let it rest for 10 mins
- Rinse mouth clean
How it works:
The concoction of garlic and honey works wonder on your gums to reduce inflammation and also reduce chances of future bacterial infections.
21. Henna Mouth Wash
What all you need:
- A solution of henna mouth wash
Directions:
Take a small amount of the mouth wash and swish around in your mouth. Then spit out and wash your mouth with clean water.
How it works:
Another one of the home remedies for bleeding gums and bad breath is using this type of solution to gargle which not only helps clean your mouth but also decreases the risks of the gum and tooth diseases. This mouthwash has antibacterial and anti-plaque components which can help kill bacteria, thus preventing the formation of plaque, tooth bleeding, gingivitis and bad breath.
22. Calendula Leaf and Chamomile Tea
What all you need:
- Calendula Leaf
- Chamomile Tea
- Warm water
Directions:
- Boil 2-3 Calendula Leaves in water
- Mix with rest of the ingredients and prepare like normal Chamomile tea
- Drink at regular intervals
How it works:
The calming properties of the chamomile tea and anti-inflammatory, astringent action of Calendula Leaves works wonders on the teeth and the gums too. Regularly drinking this tea relieves inflammation and restores the normal, healthy texture of gums.
23. Tea Bags
What all you need:
- Used tea bags (preferably of green tea)
Directions:
- Guess what, you no longer need to throw away those used tea bags.
- Dip these bags in a glass of luke warm water
- Use the water to gargle
- Also use these tea bags to apply some residual heat on your gums
How it works:
Regular use of green tea is found to improve dental health given to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of green tea. According to studies, green tea habit not only reduces the chance of developing periodontal disease but brings down gum inflammation and improves the attachment of gums to the teeth.
24. Gum massage
Directions:
Clean your hands well and use your finger to slowly massage your gum in a circular fashion without applying too much pressure.
How it works:
Massaging your gums increases blood circulation, promotes healthy gums and hence reduces the chances of developing any gum diseases.
Diet To Follow For Bleeding Gums:
1. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are a good source of vitamic c and vitamin c helps in fighting bacterial infections and reduces the chances of developing gingivitis.
2. Milk and Other Dairy Products
Milk and other such dairy products are rich in calcium and therefore can be used as an effective home remedy for bleeding gums. However, milk is also a source of fat and this fat may stick to your gum. Therefore, brush your teeth after taking milk.
3. Raw Vegetables
Fresh and raw vegetables are great for overall health improvement being rich in vitamins and low in fats and calories. Chewing raw vegetables help to improve blood circulation in gums and thus may help to reduce and treat the bleeding of gums.
4. Cranberry Juice
Cranberry Juice has anti-bacterial properties and can help in fighting against gum problems. For best results, stick to home made fresh juice.
5. Avoid Fatty Foods
Fatty foods add to the degradation of the teeth and also increase chances of plague formation. Therefore, it is advisable to either avoid such foods or brush immediately after consuming it.
6. Fresh Fruits And Vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables help to enhance the body’s natural immunity system and thus in turn help your teeth and gums stay healthier.
7. Vitamin C and D foods
Vitamic C and D rich foods aid the natural teeth bacteria killing process and thus safeguard the teeth against developing infections
When to Seek medical help?
Medical help should be sought at any time that you feel that things are going out of hand. It is always best to treat the cause at root rather than treat something that has grown out of hand. You should ideally consult the doctor after three days of continuous gum bleeding.
Prevention and Tips
Use a soft bristled tooth brush
Using soft bristled tooth brush ensures you are not applying excessive stress on the affected area to make it worse
Check your tooth paste
Not all tooth paste brands may suit you, so choose your brand very carefully
Avoid Smoking
Smoking causes more damage than you can think of. Your teeth and gums are heavily affected by your smoking habit (if any)
Stop Sharing
Sharing might not always be a god habit as you might be sharing bacteria and germs also
Relax
Too much stress had its implications on our teeth and gums too
Improve your dental care routine
Last but not the least, there is nothing that can beat a proper dental care routine.
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4 comments
My gums bleeding when brushing.. Is it a serious problem?
Yes, it could lead to a serious problem. It could either be some underlying systemic problem or the beginning of the destructive process of the supportive tissue.
Most of the mornings, when I wake up, I feel some sticky films on my gums. Can you tell me the reason?
A thin layer of bacteria called Biofilm can stick almost anywhere and that’s what makes your gums feel sticky. This is common and harmless. Unless you don’t remove the biofilm layer every morning, it could turn into plaque.